PIT’s new terminal will make the airport experience more efficient for travelers, feature outdoor spaces and be adaptable to future technological changes.

The Allegheny County Airport Authority Board of Directors today revealed the concept design for Pittsburgh International Airport’s new terminal, which is scheduled to open in 2023.

“This concept allows for a more modern, adaptable facility that will truly reflect and belong to Pittsburgh,” said Ty Osbaugh, aviation leader and principal at Gensler, which is designing the new terminal in collaboration with HDR and luis vidal + architects.

One of the goals is to make the airport experience more efficient for travelers by expanding the TSA checkpoint in order to reduce the time it takes to get from curbside to airside by 50 percent. The design (which is subject to change) also features outdoor gathering spaces, three times the number of covered parking spots and only one level change from curb to gates.

Image via Pittsburgh International Airport

“We looked at function first, then form, to construct a building that will be both iconic, practical and affordable and that can be easily adapted as the technology and transportation needs of our community change,” said Christina Cassotis, CEO of Allegheny County Airport Authority.

The firms were inspired by Pittsburg’s rolling hills, rivers, neighborhoods and new economic diversity to create a design philosophy of NaTeCo (nature, technology and community). The concept will be refined over the next phase of the project, which is expected to run through summer 2019, with construction scheduled to begin later this year.